With off-roading prowess, robust engines and sturdy exteriors dominate a huge chunk of the SUV segment. In this car category, the Lexus GX and Land Rover Defender both secure a strong position in the market. The Defender is widely known for its ruggedness and reliability, while the GX brings a luxury off-road experience to the table. These contenders have stood their ground against each other and compete well in terms of performance and features.
Land Rover Defender vs Lexus GX Comparison – Which SUV Takes the Mantle?
The history of Land Rover Defender spans several generations, and each is known for delivering top-notch performance and sportiness. Meanwhile, the Lexus GX’s history began in 2002. Over the years, the model became popular due to its robust engines and aggressive styling.
The Land Rover Defender takes a modern, tech-led approach to off-roading. Built on a strong aluminium unibody platform, it uses Electronic Air Suspension to raise ground clearance and handle deep water or rough terrain. With Terrain Response 2 and ClearSight Ground View, it relies on smart software and advanced systems to balance luxury comfort with serious off-road capability.
The Lexus GX 460 focuses on traditional strength and long-term durability. Its body-on-frame construction and hydraulic E-KDSS system improve articulation off-road while maintaining stability on highways. The GX prioritises proven mechanical reliability over high-tech customisation.
Lexus GX vs Land Rover Defender: Trim Levels
The 2023 Lexus GX has one trim in the UAE – the GX460. It is further offered in two grades: Platinum and Premium.
The latest Land Rover Defender is available in four variants: Defender 90, 110, 130 and the high-performance Octa. Hybrid options are offered in the 110 and 130 variants. Moreover, each trim of the Defender is divided into multiple grades.
The base trim, Defender 90, itself comes in multiple trim levels, including S, X-Dynamic SE, X-Dynamic HSE, V8 and X.
Lexus GX vs Land Rover Defender: Performance Specs
The Lexus GX 460 draws power from a 4.6-litre V8 engine that produces 292 hp and 438 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Its body-on-frame construction gives it a sturdy feel and it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in around 7.2 seconds.
In comparison, the Land Rover Defender 90 offers a wider range of powertrains. Alongside the 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder that makes 296 hp and 400 Nm, there’s a 3.0-litre inline-6 turbo producing around 395 hp and 550 Nm of torque.
There’s also a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine which delivers up to 518 hp and 625 Nm of torque. All Defender engines use an 8-speed automatic gearbox. In addition, the Land Rover SUV can sprint to 100 km/h in mere 5.2 seconds.
Lexus GX vs Land Rover Defender: Exterior Features
The Lexus GX 460 features a large signature spindle grille, LED headlamps and a two-box body shape. It includes details like running boards for easier entry, a side-hinged rear door, 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels and durable paint finishes.
The Land Rover Defender 90 has a more rugged look with a 3-door design and a vertical rear profile with an exposed spare tyre. It also features minimalist LED lighting, a gloss black grille bar and 20-inch to 22-inch wheels.
As for the difference in car dimensions between the two SUVs, they are as follows:
| Features | Lexus GX | Land Rover Defender |
| Length | 4,880 mm | 4,583 mm |
| Width | 1,885 mm | 2,105 mm |
| Height | 1,830 mm | 1,974 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,789 | 2,587 mm |
COLOURS
For the GX460, Lexus offers the following colour palette:
- Sonic Titanium
- Graphite Black
- Sonic Quartz
As for its latest Defender, the Land Rover offers multiple options. However, the availability of these colours depends on the region and grade level.
- Santorini Black
- Fuji White
- Green Gem Metallic
- Grey Mica Metallic
- Stone Beige
- Hyper Silver
- Silicon Silver
- Carpathian Grey
- Tasman Blue
Lexus GX vs Land Rover Defender: Interior Features
The Lexus GX 460 offers a comfortable interior with semi-aniline leather seats and 10-way power-adjustable front seats with memory settings. It also features a 10.1-inch navigation touchscreen with Lexus Navigation. For added convenience, the GX includes a cool box.
The layout for the Defender’s interior lies more on the tech side, featuring Windsor leather upholstery and a large 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It also includes modern features such as wireless charging and a 12V power socket in the loadspace for added practicality.
| Features | Lexus GX | Land Rover Defender |
| Seating Capacity | 7 | 5 |
| Seat Type | Semi-Aniline Leather | Windsor leather |
| Powered Front Seats | Yes | Yes |
Lexus GX vs Land Rover Defender: Infotainment Features
Both Lexus GX and Land Rover offer a myriad of the latest infotainment features. The Defender comes with the upgraded Pivi Pro system. Meanwhile, Lexus offers multiple options for an entertaining ride in its new and used Lexus GX series.
| Features | Lexus GX | Land Rover Defender |
| Apple CarPlay | Yes | Yes |
| Android Auto | Yes | Yes |
| Infotainment Screen Size | 10.3-inch | 13.1-inch |
| Sound System | Lexus Premium Sound System | MeridianTM Surround Sound System |
| Keyless Entry | Yes | Yes |
Lexus GX vs Land Rover Defender: Safety Features
Whether driving through a city or exploring off-roading trails, safety comes first. With this in mind, both luxury SUVs offer a myriad of the latest safety features. For instance, adaptive cruise control is standard on both models for convenience during long journeys while improving overall safety.
The GX comes equipped with the latest Lexus Safety System+. Some of its features are:
- Panoramic View Monitor
- Crawl Control
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Speaking of the Defender, it comes standard with the Land Rover InControl, offering a secure ride. A few of them are mentioned below:
- Emergency braking
- Lane Keep Assist
- Traffic Sign Recognition with Adaptive Speed Limiter
- Reverse Traffic Detection
FAQs
Does the Lexus GX offer third-row seating?
Yes, the Lexus GX offers three-row seating.
Is the Range Rover Defender a V8?
Yes, one of the Defender trims features a V8 engine that delivers up to 518 hp.
What is the price of Defender in the UAE?
The starting price of a new Land Rover Defender in the UAE is AED 237,600, varying with the trim level.
With that, we wrap up our discussion on the Lexus GX and Land Rover Defender comparison. Both SUVs are renowned in their category and offer several features that are well-suited to different driving conditions.
Alongside the vehicles mentioned, there is an extensive selection of pre-owned and new cars for sale across the UAE. Those considering their next purchase can browse these options to make a well-informed choice.
For car care advice, tips, facts and much more, stay connected to dubizzle’s autos blog.
Related Posts
